Pandemic

One of the topics that I covered during the End Times course was the theory of the end of the world by pandemic (a virus or health epidemic that wipes out a bulk of the population). Apparently director Steven Soderbergh had the same thought.

Arguably Soderbergh's best film was 2000's "Traffic," which was a clinical look at the multi-faceted problems associated with the drug war. In many ways it was a detached film — featuring story lines that were potentially emotional but the film tried to offer a balanced look that really explained why the war on drugs is unwinable. I would argue that "The Wire" did the same thing, only more complex and better, but "Traffic" is one of those movies that is probably underrated.

Soderbergh — who has spent years making ecclectic independent films interspursed with "Ocean's 11" sequels — returns to that style of filmmaking with "Contagion." The film follows the path of a virus, which jumps from animals to humans or, rather, a human (Gwenyth Paltrow in this case) and begins to spread across the world in our global economy. It looks at the way viruses spread quickly, the limited means of our science and health organizations to respond, and the breakdown of society that follows. It is a sobering idea (particularly on this 9/11 Anniversary weekend). Bio terror seems to be the next level in potential threats, so the film is topical, timely, and all too frightening.

It is our tendency as humans to believe that we can control aspects of our world and our lives. Illusions of control are common in our world. Recently, as I was doing my reading for a class I took in my Master’s Degree program on innovation, I read a definition for the idea of the illusion of control. It says, “Illusion of control is a cognitive bias that causes managers to overestimate the extent to which the outcomes of an action are under their personal control and the extent to which they possess the skills and abilities needed to manage uncertainty and complexity. In uncertain situations in which their ability and competence are really being tested, managers may develop irrational beliefs about their personal ability to manage uncertainty. They may, for example, overestimate their ability to use their skills in new ventures and embark on a huge acquisition program. Soon, however, they encounter problems and realize that they lack the ability to manage the more complex organization effectively” (Jones, 2004, p. 386).

Obviously that definition is describing a business scenario, but I think you could easily adapt that idea to our lives. I’ve been reading a book on the financial crisis that happened in the fall of 2008. Our government, as we all know, ended bailing out many companies and taking over both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Looking back, we wonder how could that have happened. Reading the book it’s been fascinating to see that, in reality, it was this concept of the illusion of control. The financial wizards underestimated the risk, felt they built more than adequate protections, and felt they had complete control over the financial industry to the degree that no market hiccup could touch them. Obviously, we know that wasn’t true.

We like to think we understand and have some level of control over our lives, our country, and our world order. Movies like "Contagion" are frightening because they are a reminder of just how little control we really have. No amount of money and technology can change that.

In the book of Job, God speaks to how we should view Him and His creation. I think it comes down to a matter of respect. Job 27:23-24 says, “The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, men revere him, for he does not have regard for any who think they are wise.”